September's arrived, bringing a definite chill in the air. I would be lying if I said I had not already fished my two onesies down from storage and said goodbye to my multiple pairs of denim shorts. Yes, summer seems to officially be over here in England (surprise, surprise) and TV seems to be following suit.
From chills in the air to chills down your spine, ITV's Chasing Shadows is the start of a four part drama that promises to start off September's schedule well. I'll be constructing an ep-by-ep review of this as it airs but with big names (many of whom are Doctor Who alumni) such as Noel Clarke and Alex Kingston, it's certainly one to watch. At first impressions, the lead role of Sean Stone (played by Reece Shearsmith) is acted brilliantly but is, as often seems to be the case, a little unconventional in his approach to life, death and multiple murderers. Circulating around runaways, missing persons, the police and a suicide website, it's clear Chasing Shadows will whet our appetite for mess and murder.
Which brings us onto ITV's other early offering in the return of
Scott and Bailey. Featuring lead roles by Suranne Jones and Lesley Sharp,
Scott and Bailey is another police drama, but without the either obtrusive or socially awkward male protagonist (see above: case in point). I've been a fan of
Scott and Bailey since the first series in 2011, so I'm particularly excited about its return next Wednesday (I actually squealed upon viewing the advert). I read a great interview with Suranne Jones courtesy of
What's On TV which seems to suggest that, as always, there will be an abundance of personal drama for all the characters, as well as the police-based drama we've come to know and love.
Continuing through September is the third season of Scandal, which airs here in the UK on Sky Living. Last night took us to episode 6, Icarus, which is currently buffering on Sky Go. The first five episodes have been wrought with marital and political drama and debauchery, so I'm intrigued to see how the season continues through the month. I stumbled across a few differing opinions on the third season from fans in America who are gearing up for season but as our little island doggy paddles some way behind, I'm trying to avoid all spoilers and make up my own mind. So far, so good.
Jade x
I try not to let awards and nominations sway my opinion on what TV to watch. If I like something and it wins awards too, fabulous. If I like something that gets slated critically, more fool them. But with a lot more post-uni free time comes my complete immersion in the arts and media right now. So of course the Emmy's have brought about quite a buzz.
Nominations that nailed it
First off, I'm pretty content with most of the nominations. I, like many others, can see a few inconsistencies in terms of categories (Luther as a mini series? C'mon guys.) but I'm just happy to see Idris Elba nominated. He's a fabulous actor and it's great to see someone British doing so well. Breaking Bad has picked up a few nominations which I'm sure are deserved; the show wasn't for me personally but I can see why people liked it. I think Mayim Bialik's nomination is really well deserved and I'm also happy to see Claire Danes and Kerry Washington both nominated for Leading Actress in a drama. I'm waiting (well I would say waiting patiently but I'm really, really not patient at all) for Season 3 of Scandal to air in the UK as we speak and it is without a doubt one of my favourite TV Dramas. With Homeland, I was utterly obsessed for the first two seasons, both loved and loathed the third, and as I hear snippets about the fourth season I remain intrigued to see what direction the show goes in.
Orange is the New Black has unsurprisingly scooped up a whole host of nominations and I'm actually really glad Taylor Schilling's been nominated for Leading Actress in a comedy. I'm with the majority in that OITNB kind of straddles comedy and drama, arguably more so drama in my opinion, but as an actor playing a character who many people seem to complain about, I think it's great that she's been recognised. And for the record, I don't even think Piper's that whiny! Laverne Cox has also made history in her nomination so I really think this is going to be the year for Orange is the New Black, with Kate Mulgrew, Natasha Lyonne and Uzo Aduba all picking up nominations too. And as a writer and a fan of the show, it's great to see OITNB also scooped a nomination for Outstanding Writing, among others.
Omitted Opportunities?
There have been a lot of comments on the fact that The Good Wife did not receive a nomination as a show, though Julianna Marguiles has been recognised as Lead Actress in a Drama, again going up against Danes and Washington. It is surprising, given the trajectory this season took but the biggest outrage appears to be the lack of nominations for Orphan Black. It's not a series I have actually encountered at all, so I can't really comment on whether they have been "snubbed" or not. I got quite into Brooklyn Nine-Nine this year, so would have liked a few more nominations in their direction but hey, you win some, you lose some.
What are your thoughts on the Emmy nominations this year?
Jade x
Blogging has definitely had a positive impact on me. It's made me venture out of my comfort zone and along the way, I've found some wonder products, stumbled across TV shows to obsesses over (as if I needed any more) and found a whole new love for knitwear. Here are my favourite finds of 2013:
1. Barry M Nail Hardener.
My absolute wonder product. I swear by it and I even persuaded friends and family into purchasing it too! I use it as a base and top coat without fail, and my nails have never been stronger or longer. Could not recommend it enough!
2. ABCs Scandal.
Thanks to the free 30 day trial at Lovefilm I stumbled across a little show called Scandal and I'm pretty sure I watched Season 1 and 2 in an under a week. If that doesn't grant me gladiator status, I don't know what does! (Inside joke - watch the show!) In all seriousness, it's like my perfect drama. Kerry Washington is an incredible female lead (point 1); it's about America (point 2); it's political but in a very accessible, dramatic way (point 3); it has a fabulous cast (point 4) and it's far from predictable. Can you tell I'm a little obsessed already? I don't know when (or if) Season 3 is coming to England but it had better is all I'm saying!
3. Loverdose Tattoo Perfume
I got given this for Christmas so it's not like I had it for the whole of 2013 but I caught of whiff of it in a magazine months back and was determined to get myself a bottle. Only once university started up again in September, perfume purchases were put on hold and it wasn't until Christmas that my wish was granted. It was so worth the wait though - the bottle is gloriously designed, which is really important to me as I collect perfume bottles (weird, I know) so I love them to have intricate, edgy designs.
Okay so New Look selling knitwear isn't anything new but I've managed to secure two absolute sale steals this winter and I probably wear them both far too often. My black bulldog jumper is by far the item I've worn most this December, it just goes with everything! And my new zip detailed grey jumper is the perfect addition to my winter wardrobe.
Jade :)
